Description
Rare first edition of The Life and Times of Col. James Fisk, Jr. by R.W. McAlpine, published 1872 by the New York Book Company. This fascinating biography of one of the Gilded Age’s most flamboyant and controversial figures-Wall Street magnate, showman, and tragic murder victim-offers a dramatic and richly detailed account of post-Civil War America.
This hardcover copy is complete and structurally sound, with moderate overall shelf wear and fraying to the top and bottom of the spine. One rear flyleaf is missing, but the book retains strong historic appeal through original Victorian-era pencil sketches found inside:
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Rear inner board features a pencil drawing of a young girl in 19th-century attire
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Remaining flyleaf bears a portrait of a young man, along with two hand-drawn school emblems
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Drawings show medium artistic skill, and add personal character and period authenticity
These pencil portraits were likely drawn by a young owner or student in the late 19th century, offering a unique artifact of private artistic expression in an already compelling historical volume.
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Gilt-stamped original binding
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Frontispiece of James Fisk (please confirm if present)
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Over 500 pages of illustrated text
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Notable sections on Wall Street scandals, the Erie Railroad War, and the Fisk-Stokes-Mansfield drama
This book makes a wonderful addition to collections of 19th-century American history, Wall Street memorabilia, or Victorian personal art.
